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Blog of Adam Daifallah -- author, journalist, law student. Lover of politics, writing, golf, curling, fitness, fashion, bacon and maple products -- not necessarily (but probably) in that order. Partisan of the Anglosphere. Contact me via email at adam@daifallah.com. This summer I am joined by Keir Wilmut and Omar Soliman.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Voting day shenanigans during Alberta PC leadership
Daifallah.com has obtained the following observations from an unimpeachable source who was working at a polling station in Alberta yesterday. Definitely concerning:
This weekend, Canada has been paying attention to the PC leadership vote in Alberta. Lost in the shuffle, however, are the rules governing this election - or, more appropriately, the lack thereof. In short, the words "kangaroo democracy" come to mind.
For one, there is no membership cut-off. Yes, you read that right. You can buy memberships at the voting station right before you vote. The result? People who have never been party members - or worse yet, who are members of other parties - can show up by the droves on election day to vote in an internal party process.
Another area of deficiency is the lack of training the poll staff were given. I personally witnessed differing rulings on identification requirements throughout voting day.
Perhaps the most glaring issue related to partisan polling by "neutral" election officials in the polling area. During the advance polls, I witnessed a poll clerk sending people who did not have memberships ($5.00 each) outside to a van operated by one candidate, who would then give the voter a membership for free.
If these types of antics happen in Canada, one can only imagine what goes on in third world nations. Clearly, the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta has an obligation to its members to create a much more fair, open, and principled process - particularly given Alberta's one-party history.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 11:05 PM
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